Protect Virginia from Opioid-like Kratom Addiction

More than half of the patients presented to me for detox do so because of kratom derivatives. It is distressing to watch these readily available substances—marketed as herbal dietary supplements—cause such profound harm in our community.

– Kate Gibson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, CPRS
Addiction Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Richmond, VA

The claim that kratom has no potential abuse and can do no harm is ludicrous. Until we truly understand how kratom interacts with other medications, promoting it as a safe herbal supplement puts lives at risk.

– Dr. Faried Banimahd, MD
Board-Certified Addiction Physician, Coleman Clinic, Richmond, VA

Traditional kratom preparations have been associated for years with tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive use, demonstrating inherent addictive potential. Kratom marketed as 'safe' or 'non-addictive' is contributing to a growing population struggling with dependence and withdrawal.

– Dr. Ronald Mejzak
Director of Addiction Services and Medical Staff President at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center

As kratom's popularity continues to grow, so does the number of individuals struggling with dependence. At The Coleman Institute, approximately 75% of our patient intakes were linked to kratom addiction as of 2025. Since we began conducting kratom detoxes in 2018, we've observed firsthand that the dangers associated with this substance are often underestimated. Kratom can produce opioid-like effects and withdrawal symptoms, even more so with the rise of new kratom-based products like 7-OH, Pseudoindoxyl, and MGM-15. This highlights the pressing need for greater awareness and understanding of the risks.

– Jennifer Gifford
Chief Executive Officer, The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine

Kratom addiction is real, and so is the pain and suffering that goes with it. Tens of thousands of people, and all their families, are facing a crisis that never should have happened. This industry chose to side-step safeguards to maximize a profit, and now attempts to blame the users. It was preventable then, and it is preventable now.

The good news is that we are no longer suffering in isolation. We’ve organized, and our collective voice will be heard.

– Hilary Tesluck
VP / Co-Founder Kratom Quitters, Certified Peer Support Specialist

Kratom presents like an opioid when using it. It's addictive and deadly. I see the effects everyday. People come in all strung out on it, and the damage it leaves behind in their bodies is devastating.

– Michael Tillem
Journey House Addiction Recovery, Richmond, VA

The biggest misconception is that 'natural means safe.' Kratom and 7-OH are not harmless herbal supplements…People using these substances can have the same detrimental effects seen with opioids.

– John Downs, MD, MPH, FACP, FACOEM
Director of Virginia Poison Center, VCU

I can’t tell you how many parents reach out to me—terrified—once they realize what’s happening to their child. And it’s not just kids; adults are equally becoming dependent on kratom. I’ve personally helped five people get into treatment after developing kratom addiction.

– Jill Cichowicz
Founder & CEO of 2 End the Stigma

…if you’re using it for therapeutic things, it can lead to dependency and can lead to death. Everybody has different tolerance levels. Studies have shown that. So, what may be fine and therapeutic for you might actually be fatal for me.

– Mark K. Smith
Coroner of Carbon County, PA